On Tuesday, El Paso City Council took the first step towards the development of the Lionel Forti and Chelsea Aquatic Centers by authorizing the use of the “Design Build” delivery method for these quality of life projects.

This delivery method groups the design firm and construction contractor into one contract, which allows the City to better coordinate the entire project from start to finish, and reduce the amount of risk associated with designing and constructing these facilities.

The design-build method incorporates the use of a “Guaranteed Maximum Price,” which is an agreement between the City and the design build team which declares that the design and construction of a project will not cost the City above an agreed upon amount, unless changes are made to design or new services are requested and incorporated into the construction of the project.

The Chelsea and Lionel Forti Aquatic Facilities each have an approximate budget of $4 million for their design and construction. The Chelsea budget also covers land acquisition.

The Chelsea Aquatic Center will be located at 900 Radford Street, while the Lionel Forti facility will be located 1225 Giles Road. Both facilities will be housed in a 5,000 to 6,000 square foot facility that will include:

Zero depth entry water play area and water spray ground

Water slides

Lap pool with climbing wall

Toddler splash area

Cabanas that can be reserved

Outdoor grill and concessions

Bathhouse

ADA compliant parking areas,

Both aquatic facilities are funded by the 2012 Quality of Life Bonds, and are part of the City of El Paso’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for business, residents and visitors through the creation of recreational, cultural and educational environments.

Also during Tuesday’s session, City Council approved a $12.4 million construction contract for the Westside Pool – Natatorium featuring the City of El Paso’s first Olympic-size swimming pool.

“This is great news for our community. It’s very exciting to be part of a visionary organization committed to expanding recreational opportunities in this region. El Paso deserves top-notch facilities and this quality of life aquatics project delivers on our commitment to expand recreational programming for our youth and all our citizens,” Monica Lombraña, interim Director of the City’s Capital Improvement Department, said.

The project will be constructed at 650 Wallenberg Drive by Arrow Building Corp. Its Olympic-size pool will be housed inside a 35,980-square foot facility and includes the following amenities:

One (1) movable pool bulkhead (a movable race starting platform, allowing for a 50-meter pool to be converted to a 25-meter pool for youth competitions)

Eight (8) long lanes (50 meter) and 24 short lanes (25 meter)

Scoreboards

Wi-Fi

Seating for approximately 780 spectators

Additional occupancy for up to 224 competitors through the use of moveable bleachers

A total of 250 parking spaces

Water efficiency plumbing

Designed to meet USA Swimming standards and requirements

The project will be constructed near the existing Leo Cancellare Pool. City of El Paso’s Capital Improvement Department along with the Department of Parks and Recreation will host a preconstruction community meeting at 5:30 p.m. on August 31, 2016 at the Galatzan Recreation Center, 650 Wallenberg, to present to the public with the construction schedule, and the plans for the continuity of operations of the Leo Cancellare Pool during construction.